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Derrywoone Castle Archaeological Excavation...

12 June 2013

An excavation will take place at Derrywoone Castle, Barons Court, Newtownstewart, Co. Tyrone, between 27th May and 28th June, 2013.

Derrywoone Castle was built by the Scottish Earl of Abercorn, Sir. George Hamilton on his 12,400 acre estate granted to him in 1610, after the flight of the Gaelic Earls. Both Scottish and Irish families farmed on Hamilton’s land around the castle and by excavating there we hope reveal more of the story of the Ulster Plantations. This cross-community project will involve a number of local schools, colleges and volunteers. This project is sponsored by the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure and will be directed in the field by Fintan Walsh (Irish Archaeological Consultancy).

Volunteers:

Age: Over 18 (unless your parents are also volunteering). Ages 16-18 please provide a letter from your parents granting permission to attend.

Activities: You can volunteer for 1 day or for longer. If you come for 1-3 days you can be involved with excavation and washing finds. If you can stay for more than 3 days you will be able to get involved with additional archaeological activities such as surveying, drawing and photography.

Workday: Mon-Fri only. Please arrive on site by 9.30am, we would aim to finish up at about 4.30. There will be lunch and tea breaks. Please bring your own packed lunch and hot drinks.

Tools: All the ‘tools of the trade’ will be provided.

Clothing: Considering the season the weather will be unpredictable so please do wear warm and waterproof clothing and stout shoes or boots. You will get dirty so please wear old clothes and bring gloves.

Facilities: There will be toilets available on site and facilities for hand washing.

How to get there: Further information will be provided on application.

Applications: To apply as a volunteer please contact Colette Rynhart at archaeology@iac.ie for more information and to book your space (as places are limited). No previous experience is required, although willingness to work in the outdoors would be advisable.